Abstract: One or more shaped axial bore extending from an accessed posterior or anterior target point are formed in the cephalad direction through vertebral bodies and intervening discs, if present, in general alignment with a visualized, trans-sacral axial instrumentation/fusion (TASIF) line in a minimally invasive, low trauma, manner. An anterior axial instrumentation/fusion line (AAIFL) or a posterior axial instrumentation/fusion line (PAIFL) that extends from the anterior or posterior target point, respectively, in the cephalad direction following the spinal curvature through one or more vertebral body is visualized by radiographic or fluoroscopic equipment.

Abstract: A hand-held instrument, with a rotary power input to a camshaft, has cam and follower arrangement to provide a reciprocating shaft output. A cutter is provided on the output shaft. In one example, rotating cam percussion is transmitted to the cutter by engaging the cutter with the tissue to be cut, and pushing the instrument forward toward the cutter. In another example, rotating cam percussion is transmitted to the cutter by engaging the cutter with the tissue to be cut, and pulling the instrument back toward the user while maintaining engagement of the cutter with the tissue. In both examples, the cutter remains in idle condition until an axially directed load, forward in the one example, or backward on the other example, is placed on the cutter by moving the instrument forward or backward, respectively, while the camshaft is rotating. A distractor with frame is used to spread and maintain space between vertebral bodies, enabling entrance of the cutter.

Abstract: Using a bended puncturing needle, a through hole from the greater trochanter of a long tubular bone to the bone marrow cavity is formed, the catheter 61a, 61b is passed into the through hole, a physiological salt solution is injected from one of the catheter 61b, and the physiological salt solution and the bone marrow is stirred by the stirring wire 68, the obtained mixed liquid is aspirated and harvested by another catheter 61a, thereby a large amount of the bone marrow is harvested. A method enabling easy and a large amount harvesting of the bone marrow from long tubular bones such as femurs, in which a multi-lumen catheter can also be used as a catheter.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method is provided for creating and preparing a cavity in a bony intervertebral body. Asymmetrical cutting structures selectively open a cavity which has a relatively large surface area in the vertical direction. One method pertains to the treatment of a vertebral compression fracture.

Abstract: An apparatus for impacting bone material comprises an impaction element and a guide element having a bore. The bore has a longitudinal axis. The impaction tool is connected to the guide element, and is provided at a predetermined distance to the bore in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bore. A guide rod may be connected to a medical device and can be inserted into the bore. Thus, the apparatus may be guided into a cavity adjacent the medical device for impacting bone material inserted into the cavity.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for the dissection of bone and other tissue includes a spindle, a dissection tool and an coupler disposed between the spindle and the dissection tool. The coupler includes a tool collet and an attachment locking mechanism operable to permit tool collet operation and telescoping movement of an attachment tube with respect to the dissection tool. A method is also provided for convenient coupling of the dissection tool and adjustment of the attachment tube length.

Abstract: An orthopaedic cutting instrument and associated methods are presented.

Abstract: A flip cutter and drill instrument and method of antegrade drilling and retrograde cutting using such an instrument. The flip cutter and drill instrument is provided with a drill which has a multi-blade configuration and which engages an inner tube or inner member of the instrument to articulate between at least a first “straight” position (for example, about parallel to the longitudinal axis of the instrument) when the instrument is in the drilling mode, and at least a second “flip” position (for example, a non-parallel position relative to the longitudinal axis of the instrument) when the instrument is in the cutting mode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue. In one variation, tissue may be ablated, resected, removed, or otherwise remodeled by standard small endoscopic tools delivered into the epidural space through an epidural needle. The sharp tip of the needle in the epidural space, can be converted to a blunt tipped instrument for further safe advancement. The current invention includes specific tools that enable safe tissue modification in the epidural space, including a barrier that separates the area where tissue modification will take place from adjacent vulnerable neural and vascular structures. A nerve stimulator may be provided to reduce a risk of inadvertent neural abrasion.

Abstract: A method and a system including templates (1,5,7) for the making of non cylindrical bores in organic tissues or the like and with a surgical tool is provided, wherein each template (1,5,7) includes an annular member (2) having a substantially elliptical or “O” elongated shape, and an elongated member (3) to be inserted in the tissue and having a predetermined length which defines the depth of the bore in the tissue, the elongated member being integrally connected at an end thereof to the annular member (2) and at the opposite end being shaped with a concave end part (4).

Abstract: A spinal cage implant is adapted to be inserted in a damaged intervertebral disc for restoring the discal height and permitting an arthoesis. The implant comprises a central part with walls and terminal parts for bearing against the cortical bone of the vertebral end plates. The implant bears against the vertebral end plates with terminal parts and contains bone graft material between walls with an opening to permit bone fusion between the two vertebrae. The implant permits restoring the physiological lordosis and the intervertebral height.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is disclosed a surgical instrument for the dissection of bone or other tissue, the surgical instrument including a tool having a shaft with a dissection area disposed adjacent a distal end and a coupling area disposed adjacent a proximal end; a coupling assembly configured for coupling to a power output of a motor to said coupling area of said tool; and an angled attachment tube positionable along at least a portion of said shaft and substantially supporting a portion of said shaft disposed adjacent said dissection area.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprising a system controller, a hand-held scalpel assembly, a first communication link interconnecting the hand-held scalpel assembly with the system controller, an actuator, and a second communication link interconnecting the actuator with said system controller.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for microfracture surgery to create apertures in a bone tissue surface comprising uniform depth by controlling an insertion length. Verification of insertion length may be accomplished through the use of a color-coded kit wherein each microfracture surgery apparatus comprises a color-coded handle associated with an insertion length and offset angle.

Abstract: Disclosed are surgical tools, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and preparing treatment sites within the spine for subsequent treatment procedures. The treatment site may be an inter-vertebral motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. The tool set may comprise introducer tools and bone dilators for accessing and tapping into a targeted site, such as, for example, the anterior surface of the S1 vertebral body. The tool set may also comprise cutters and extractors for preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures. The tool set may additionally comprise a bone graft inserter, an exchange system, and/or a temporary distraction tool for further preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures.

Abstract: Method and device to be used in osteotomy in securing two separated parts of a bone in relation to each other before and after removing an excessive part thereof. After removing and/or holding/keeping apart tissue like muscles, tendons, skin and so on, a longitudinally shaped fixation device is applied atop of a site of said bone (B) where the excision is to be performed. The device is secured with the use of one or more nails or screws at one first end thereof with the use of a hole or holes providing a snug fit to the bone as well as the device. The fixation device is secured at its other second end with the use of one or more elongated holes or slots in the longitudinal direction of the fixation device, which holes once the bone portion to be excised is taken away, provide for movability of the bone ends thus created towards each other.

Abstract: A surgical sagittal saw blade that including a guide bar shaped to be releasably secured in a static position to a complementary surgical sagittal saw. A blade is mounted to the guide bar to pivot around a pivot point. The blade has teeth located outside of the guide bar. Drive rods extend from the blade. The drive rods connect to a complementary driver integral with the saw. When the saw driver is actuated, the drive rods undergo reverse reciprocation. The reciprocation of the driver rods cause the blade to oscillate around a pivot point.

Abstract: A flexible tap apparatus system comprises a first flexible tap apparatus member having a shaft having an upper shaft portion and a lower shaft portion. The upper shaft portion comprises ridges and the lower shaft portion has a substantially smooth surface. The shaft of the first flexible tap apparatus member comprises a first set of dimensions. The system further comprises a second flexible tap apparatus member having a shaft having an upper shaft portion and a lower shaft portion. The upper shaft portion comprises ridges and the lower shaft portion has a substantially smooth surface. The shaft of the second flexible tap apparatus member comprises a second set of dimensions. The first set of dimensions differs from the second set of dimensions. A method of use is also provided.

Abstract: A bone mill including a base and a mill head that is removably attached to the base. A cutting disc is rotatably disposed in the mill head. When the mill head is attached to base, the cutting disc is rotated by a motor internal to the base. A plunger mounted to the mill head urges the bone against the cutting disc. The cutting disc and an impingement plate internal to the mill head shear the bone into chips. The chips are discharged from an opening in the mill head into a catch tray removably attached to the mill head.

Abstract: A cutting saw blade for use with an oscillatory power tool used in surgical bone cutting procedures including a blade having a distal end provided with teeth whose tips are located on a tangent line perpendicular to the long axis of the blade. The teeth are configured substantially as right triangles with their hypotenuses facing either towards the center of the blade or away from the center of the blade. A central tooth can be optionally provided. The surgical saw blade may have a distal end having at least one pair of teeth configured to be adjacent to each other and each of the pair of teeth is configured as a right triangle each having a hypotenuse which is oriented at least one of towards and away from the centrally positioned long axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a facial bone surgery apparatus for medical treatment assembled to a hand piece having a straight reciprocating part, a saline solution supply part and a foreign substance discharge part, which includes: an inner pipe reciprocally movable together the straight reciprocating means and having a hollow shape of a soft flexible material; an outer pipe connected to a main body of the hand piece and installed at an outer periphery of the inner pipe to guide reciprocal movement of the inner pipe, and having a bent section formed between both ends thereof, the outer pipe being formed of a hard material; and a cutting tool assembled at an end of the inner pipe to reciprocate therewith and reciprocally guided by the outer pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for restoring individual patient joint kinematics using minimally invasive surgical procedures. The instrumentation of the invention sculpts the articular surface of a first bone that normally articulates in a predetermined manner with a second bone. The instrumentation includes a bone sculpting tool and a mount for attaching the tool to the second bone. The implant system is comprised of implants that provide intraoperative surgical options for articular constraint and facilitate proper alignment and orientation of the joint to restore kinematics as defined by the individual patient anatomy.

Abstract: A method of performing vertebral facet fusion by lateral approach and related devices. The lateral approach to facet fusion involves identifying the lateral mass and then introducing any of the fixation methods known or described herein laterally at one or more facets through the use of a hollow cannula. A surgical bone staple have a perforated bridge is used across the lateral facet joint where fixation is required. Where fusion is desired, a bone screw have lateral perforations of the shank is inserted through the bridge perforation at the joint to promote fusion. The staple and screw may be used in conjunction with one another or individually. The facet joint may be distracted prior to fixation to increase the foraminal space and decompress the neural structures to relieve pain. The method involves less surgical time, reduced blood loss and discomfort for the patient as compared to the posterior approach.

Abstract: A number of orthopaedic surgical instruments are also disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cutting saw blade for use with an oscillatory power tool used in surgical bone cutting procedures including a blade having a distal end provided with teeth whose tips are located on a tangent line perpendicular to the long axis of the blade. The teeth are configured substantially as right triangles with their hypotenuses facing either towards the center of the blade or away from the center of the blade. A central tooth can be optionally provided. The surgical saw blade may have a distal end having at least one pair of teeth configured to be adjacent to each other and each of the pair of teeth is configured as a right triangle each having a hypotenuse which is oriented at least one of towards and away from the centrally positioned long axis.

Abstract: A tool holder releasably coupling a surgical tool such as a reaming tool to a drive shaft which tool has radially extending mounting elements. The holder includes a head portion coupled to an end of the drive shaft, the head portion having a body with an outwardly open groove extending thereacross for receiving the radially extending mounting elements on the tool. The mounting elements may be in the form of rods adapted to be received within the groove which rods extend across a base of the tool. The head portion includes a bore extending through the body in communication with the groove. A biased lock pin is slidably mounted in the bore of the head portion and is biased into a position whereby the locked pin engages the rod and locks it in place. A spring-biased lock collar is provided having stop surfaces thereon for engaging two stop surfaces on the lock pin a first locking the lock pin in the locked position and a second maintaining the lock pin in the open position.

Abstract: A number of orthopaedic surgical instruments are also disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A number of orthopaedic surgical instruments are also disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A nuclectomy method for creating a nuclear cavity in an annulus located in an intervertebral disc space and for preparing the nuclear cavity to receive an intervertebral prosthesis. The method involves identifying a plurality of regions in at least a portion of the nucleus. A sequence for removing the regions is also determined. At least one annulotomy is formed in the annulus along an annular axis to provide access to the nucleus. A guide system is positioned relative to the annulotomy. The guide system is configured to limit motion of at least one surgical tool relative to the guide system. A portion of the nucleus is removed from a first region using the surgical tool. At least one of the guide system and the surgical tool are configured to remove a portion of the nucleus from a second region. A portion of the nucleus is removed from a second region using the surgical tool.

Abstract: A number of orthopaedic surgical instruments are also disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A powered surgical system includes a power console with locking speed control capabilities. The surgical power console delivers power to two separate surgical instruments, particularly surgical handpieces used in orthopedic procedures. The user/console interface includes footswitches, handpiece mounted switches, and front panel controls. The console provides controls for speed and direction of the handpiece, as well as the ability to switch directions on a variable time basis. Advantageously, the console provides a “cruise control” capability which locks in the speed of a particular handpiece. Once the cruise control option is selected, the surgeon can engage the cruise control function simply by using a “gas pedal” footswitch. Once a desired handpiece speed is established, the surgeon's foot can be removed from the footswitch, allowing the surgeon greater comfort, greater range of motion, and improved access to the operational situs.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a bone, which provides a path from the skin to a bone, is provided which comprises a cannula with an improved coupling structure, an expander, a needle, and a spacer. With the apparatus, operation time can be reduced. The cannula and the expander can be easily combined together or separated from each other. Further, the needle can be easily removed from the bone. In addition, an insertion space for a cavity-forming instrument, such as a balloon catheter, can be easily obtained inside the bone.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for making an access channel through a vertebral body to access a site of neural compression, decompressing it, and repairing the channel to restore vertebral integrity. System elements include an implantable vertebral plate, a guidance device for orienting bone cutting tools and controlling the path of a cutting tool, a bone cutting tool to make a channel in the vertebral body, a tool for opening or partially-resecting the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine, a tool for retrieving a herniated disc, an implantable device with osteogenic material to fill the access channel, and a retention device that lockably-engages the bone plate to retain it in position after insertion. System elements may be included in a surgery to decompress an individual nerve root, the spinal cord, or the cauda equina when compressed, for example, by any of a herniated disc, an osteophyte, a thickened ligament arising from degenerative changes within the spine, a hematoma, or a tumor.

Abstract: A spherical osteotomy device for the efficient surgical sectioning of bone includes a part spherical body and a shank. The part spherical body includes an outer surface, an inner surface, a cutting end between the outer surface and the inner surface, an axis extending from the outer surface through the inner surface, and an origin on the axis. The inner surface has a substantially constant radius extending from the origin. The shank extends outwardly from the outer surface of the body and is substantially aligned with the axis. Other embodiments of an osteotomy device are described. Also provided is a method of using the osteotomy device for performing spherical osteotomies.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for disimpacting a damaged vertebral body, comprising a unit, whose effective length can be adjusted in a longitudinal direction and whose underside can be positioned on the skin above a damaged vertebral body. According to the invention, supports that can be displaced in relation to one another are located on the adjustable unit, the distance between the exteriors of the two supports that face away from one another in the longitudinal direction defining the effective length of the adjustable unit. The adjustment range of the effective length is dimensioned in such a way that the supports can be positioned between lever elements, which are provided for the distraction of the vertebral bodies lying cranially and caudally adjacent to the damaged vertebral body and the supports are designed to maintain the mutual distance between the lever elements.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for minimally invasive spinal surgery employs an elongated flexible guide element inserted so as to pass in through a first lateral posterior incision, through the spinal column anterior to the spinal cord, and out through a second lateral posterior incision contralateral to said first incision. The guide element is used to guide various elements to a desired position within the spinal column as part of the surgical procedure. Preferably, two hollow rigid tubes rigidly coupled outside the body in converging relation are used to define a working gap within the spinal column through which the guide element passes. This provides a platform for manipulation of tissues and introduction of implants anterior to the spinal cord. Procedures described include reinforcement of a degenerative intervertebral disc and restoration of a damaged vertebral body.

Abstract: Disclosed are surgical tools, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and preparing treatment sites within the spine for subsequent treatment procedures. The treatment site may be an inter-vertebral motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. The tool set may comprise introducer tools and bone dilators for accessing and tapping into a targeted site, such as, for example, the anterior surface of the S1 vertebral body. The tool set may also comprise cutters and extractors for preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures. The tool set may additionally comprise a bone graft inserter, an exchange system, and/or a temporary distraction tool for further preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures.

Abstract: A method for performing percutaneous interbody preparation and placement of an interbody device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of inserting a guide mechanism into the disc space from a posterolateral orientation and then working over the guide mechanism with cannulated, self-distracting tools and implants to prepare and place the desired implant. Means for performing the percutaneous interbody preparation and implant placement procedure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical cutting tool manufacturing apparatus, which can form cutting blades to the top face with a simple structure, and a manufacturing method for the same are provided. The medical cutting tool manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, which manufactures a medical cutting tool such as a steel bar having a plurality of cutting blades 22a at the tip of a working section 22, includes a main shaft 110, which includes a chuck 112 that holds the steel bar 20 in a freely detachable manner; a main shaft support 120, which holds the main shaft 110 allowing change in a slant angle of the main shaft; an XY table 130, which freely moves the main shaft support 120 in X and Y axis directions; and a rotatable disc whetstone 141, which forms the cutting blades in the working section of the medical cutting tool held by the chuck. The whetstone 141 has a structure within the horizontal plane (XY plane).

Abstract: The intramedullary fixation device for use in fixing the relative position between a tubular bone and an adjoining bone has, according to the present invention, an intramedullary nail that is inserted into the medullary canal of the tubular bone whose position is to be fixed, an elongated blade for insertion into the adjoining bone whose position is to be fixed relative to that of the tubular bone, a coupling element for fixing and locking the relative position of the nail and blade after their insertion, and a means for locating and positioning within the bones to-be-treated the nail and blade. Furthermore, the blade has a cross-sectional shape that is configured in consideration of the geometry of the bone into which the blade is to-be-placed and so as to enhance the ability of the blade to stabilize the bone, and these elements are configured so that they do not have to be decouple during the process of inserting the nail and blade.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus comprises a flexible elongate cutting member, and a tensioning arrangement to maintain the flexible elongate member in a tensioned condition. The tensioning arrangement comprises a carrying arrangement on which the flexible elongate member is arranged. The cutting apparatus further includes a driving arrangement to move the carrying arrangement, thereby causing the flexible elongate member to move and effect cutting of an article.

Abstract: An instrument for attachment to a bone is disclosed herein. The instrument comprises a body portion providing a cutting guide. At least one hole extends through the body portion. The at least one hole includes a first portion configured to engage a handle. The at least one hole further includes a second portion configured to pass a bone engaging member having a shaft, such as a bone pin or a bone screw. The second portion of the at least one hole is not configured to pass the handle. The handle and the bone engaging member may be provided in various configurations. For example, the handle may be releasably connected to the shaft in a cannulated relationship. In another embodiment, the handle is integrally connected to the shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to tools for preparing vertebral bodies in the spine for the implantation of an artificial vertebral disk replacement and related method. A first tool is disclosed that prepares the vertebral bodies for implantation by cutting offset channels in the vertebral bodies. The second tool holds two plates of the implant during the implantation process. This invention also relates to an artificial vertebral disk replacement, a method of operation, and a method of implanting.

Abstract: A surgical sagittal saw including a handpiece from which a planar guide bar extends. A saw blade is mounted to the distal end of the guide bar to move across the guide bar. Drive rods connect the saw blade to a drive assembly in the handpiece, which drive assembly reciprocates the drive rods. The drive rods oscillate the saw blade across the distal end of the guide bar. The saw is used with a cutting guide that is in a fixed position relative to the bone or hard tissue to be cut. A capture element is disposed adjacent the guide surface and holds the guide bar to the guide surface so the cut is made along the desired cut plane.

Abstract: A chisel system for harvesting an implantable graft from an area of a human having a cartilage overlying a condyle, according to which a module is provided that has one end connected to a handle. A cutting surface is formed at the other end of the module that cuts through the cartilage and condyle.

Abstract: A shaper for reaming tissue includes an articulating head operably connected to a shaft. Incremental deployment allows for a unique utility in shaping a cavity suited to the particular morphology, that is, a more customizable cavity shape may be achieved.

Abstract: A medical device and method for providing an implant to an anatomical site are disclosed. The medical device generally comprises a sleeve having first and second ends, a cutting frame coupled to the second end, and a rod received in an inner bore of the sleeve. The cutting frame defines a guide configured to direct a cutting tool for reciprocal motion along a cutting plane. When the implant is positioned within the inner bore, the rod and sleeve are used to gauge a depth of the anatomical site and to advance a portion of the implant beyond the cutting plane. The implant may then be cut to an appropriate size to fit the anatomical site.

Abstract: A surgical bur including a shaft with a head on the distal end of the shaft. A number of flutes extend outwardly from the head, each flute having a rake surface and a clearance surface. On some flutes the rake and clearance surfaces meet to form the flute cutting edges. Other flutes have relief surfaces between the rake and cutting surfaces. On these flutes, the cutting edges are the edges where the rake and relief surfaces meet. The flutes are further designed to have rake angles that are less negative, than the flutes without the relief surfaces. The flutes are radially spaced apart around the head such that between any three adjacent flutes, the first and second flutes are spaced apart a first angle; the second and third flutes are spaced apart a second angle different from the first angle.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument including an outer tube, inner wire assembly, cutting tip, coupling chuck, and housing. The outer tube includes a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The inner wire assembly is received within the lumen. Preferably, the outer tube and inner wire assembly form a longitudinally curved segment. The cutting tip is connected to a distal section of the inner wire assembly. The coupling chuck is secured to a proximal section of the inner wire assembly. The housing maintains the outer tube and the coupling chuck. A rotating journal bearing, preferably a rotating-hydrodynamic bearing, is established between the inner wire assembly and the inner surface of the outer tube, allowing nominal rotational speeds of 80,000 RPM. Preferred embodiments of the surgical cutting instrument enhance surgeon visibility, minimize heat build-up, and provide improved stiffness and thermal protection.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing selected tissue are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first cutting element including a distal end and a cutting edge at the distal end and a second cutting element including a distal end and a cutting edge at the distal end of the second cutting element. The second cutting element is positioned relative to the first cutting element such that the cutting edge of the first cutting element and the cutting edge of the second cutting element cooperatively produce a shear force on a region of an object when the first cutting element moves in a first direction and the second cutting element moves in a second direction, different from the first direction. The second cutting element defines a conduit configured to convey a fluid from the region of the object.